1973 Oakland Athletics season
Encyclopedia
The Oakland Athletics
season involved the A's winning their third consecutive American League West
title with a record of 94 wins and 68 losses. The A's went on to defeat the Baltimore Orioles
in the ALCS
for their second straight AL Championship, and won the World Series
in seven games over the New York Mets
to take their second consecutive World Championship.
, Ken Holtzman
and Vida Blue
.
The A's were on the receiving end of some milestones as well. On July 3, Nolan Ryan
struck out Sal Bando
of the Athletics for the 1000th strikeout in his career. On July 30, Jim Bibby
threw the first no-hitter
in Texas Rangers
history as he no-hit the Athletics. The Rangers won the game 6-0.
In Game 1, the Orioles jumped on Oakland starter Vida Blue
and reliever Horacio Piña
for four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Jim Palmer
pitched a 5-hit shutout as the Orioles won, 6-0.
In Game 2, the Athletics hit three home runs off Baltimore starter Dave McNally
, and won 6-3 behind Catfish Hunter
.
In Game 3, the Athletics won 2-1 when shortstop Bert Campaneris
homered to lead off the bottom of the 11th inning.
In Game 4, the Athletics held a 4-0 lead after six innings, but the Orioles scored four in the seventh off Blue to tie the game; the key blow was a three-run home run by catcher Andy Etchebarren
. Baltimore second baseman Bobby Grich
broke the tie with a solo home run in the 8th inning, and the Orioles went on to win, 5-4.
In Game 5, Hunter pitched a 5-hit shutout as the Athletics won, 3-0, and took the series 3 games to 2.
in the 1973 Series was marred by Charlie O. Finley's antics. Finley forced Mike Andrews
to sign a false affidavit saying he was injured after the reserve second baseman committed two consecutive errors in the 12th inning of the A's Game Two loss to the Mets. This would allow Manny Trillo, ineligible because he was not a member of the team on Sept. 1, to be activated.
By demeaning Mike Andrews, Finley brought on open rebellion, the logical progression for a team that has never deluded itself about being a happy ship. The A's worked out at Shea with Andrews' No. 17 taped to their uniforms as a sign of sympathy with him. By then he was back home in Peabody, Massachusetts.
When other team members, manager Dick Williams
, and virtually the entire viewing public rallied to Andrews' defense, Kuhn forced Finley to back down. Andrews entered Game 4 in the eighth inning as a pinch-hitter. As he walked to the on-deck circle the crowd of 54,817 at Shea Stadium spotted his No. 17 and commenced cheering. He promptly grounded out, and Finley ordered him benched for the remainder of the Series.
Andrews never played another major league game. As it was, the incident allowed the Mets, a team that went but 82–79 during the regular season, to go seven games before losing to a superior team. Williams was so disgusted by the affair that he resigned after the Series.
Finley retaliated by vetoing Williams' attempt to become manager of the Yankees. Finley claimed that since Williams still owed Oakland the last year of his contract, he could not manage anywhere else. Finley relented later in 1974 and allowed Williams to take over as manager of the California Angels
.
AL Oakland Athletics (4) vs. NL New York Mets
(3)>
Game
Score
Date
Location
Attendance
Time of Game
1
Mets – 1, A’s – 2
October 13
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
46,021
2:26
2
Mets – 10, A’s – 7 (12 inns)
October 14
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
55,989
4:13
3
A's – 3, Mets – 2 (11 inns)
October 16
Shea Stadium
54,817
3:15
4
A's – 1, Mets – 6
October 17
Shea Stadium
54,817
2:41
5
A's – 0, Mets – 2
October 18
Shea Stadium
54,817
2:39
6
Mets – 1, A’s – 3
October 20
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
49,333
2:07
7
Mets – 2, A’s – 5
October 21
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
49,333
2:37
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
season involved the A's winning their third consecutive American League West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...
title with a record of 94 wins and 68 losses. The A's went on to defeat the Baltimore Orioles
1973 Baltimore Orioles season
The Baltimore Orioles season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Orioles finishing first in the American League East with a record of 97 wins and 65 losses...
in the ALCS
American League Championship Series
In Major League Baseball, the American League Championship Series , played in October, is a round in the postseason that determines the winner of the American League pennant...
for their second straight AL Championship, and won the World Series
1973 World Series
The 1973 World Series matched the defending champion Oakland Athletics against the New York Mets, with the A's winning in seven games to repeat as World Champions....
in seven games over the New York Mets
1973 New York Mets season
The New York Mets season was the 12th regular season for the Mets, who played home games at Shea Stadium. Manager Yogi Berra led the team to a National League East title with an 82–79 record, the National League pennant and a defeat at the hands of the Oakland Athletics in the World Series...
to take their second consecutive World Championship.
Offseason
- November 24, 1972: Matty AlouMatty AlouMateo Rojas "Matty" Alou was a Dominican outfielder who spent fifteen seasons in Major League Baseball with the San Francisco Giants , Pittsburgh Pirates , St. Louis Cardinals , Oakland Athletics , New York Yankees and San Diego Padres...
was traded by the Athletics to the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
for Rob GardnerRob Gardner (baseball)Richard Frank Gardner is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He holds the distinction of having been traded twice by the New York Yankees to the Oakland Athletics for one of the Alou brothers.-Early years:...
and a player to be named later. The Yankees completed the deal by sending Rich McKinneyRich McKinneyCharles Richard "Rich" McKinney is a former professional baseball player. He played all or part of seven seasons in Major League Baseball between and...
to the Athletics on December 1. - November 30, 1972: Mike EpsteinMike EpsteinMichael Peter Epstein , nicknamed SuperJew, is a former Major League Baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Senators, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and California Angels from –....
was traded by the Athletics to the Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
for Horacio PiñaHoracio PiñaHoracio Piña García [pee'-nyah] is a former relief pitcher who played in Major League Baseball between and . Piña also played professionally in Mexico for several years...
. - December 18, 1972: Orlando CepedaOrlando CepedaOrlando Manuel Cepeda Pennes is a former Puerto Rican Major League Baseball first baseman.Cepeda was born to a poor family. His father, Pedro Cepeda, was a baseball player in Puerto Rico, which influenced his interest in the sport from a young age. His first contact with professional baseball was...
was released by the Athletics. - January 10, 1973: 1973 Major League Baseball Draft1973 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1973 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :Four dominating players of the late 70s and 80s were selected in the June regular phase...
(January Draft) notable picks:
-
- Round 1: Mike Norris(24th pick).
- Secondary Phase
- Round 1: Warren CromartieWarren CromartieWarren Livingston Cromartie is a retired American baseball player.-Baseball career:Warren Cromartie debuted with the Montreal Expos of the Major Leagues on September 6, 1974 after being picked 6th in the 1973 amateur draft...
(10th pick) (did not sign).- January 23, 1973: Jerry McNertneyJerry McNertneyGerald Edward McNertney is an American former Major League Baseball catcher. He stood 6'1" and weighed 190 pounds in his playing days....
was signed as a free agent by the Athletics. - March 24, 1973: Dave DuncanDave Duncan (baseball)David Edwin Duncan is an American former professional baseball player and current pitching coach for the St. Louis Cardinals...
and George HendrickGeorge HendrickGeorge Andrew Hendrick Jr. is a former major league outfielder for the Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates and California Angels. However Hendrick is best remembered as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, for whom he played for from 1979–84. He was a...
were traded by the Athletics to the Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
for Ray FosseRay FosseRaymond Earl Fosse is a former professional baseball player who was a catcher in the Major Leagues. He was drafted in the first round of the 1965 amateur draft by the Cleveland Indians. Fosse also holds the distinction of being the Indians' first ever draft pick, as 1965 was the first year of the...
and Jack HeidemannJack HeidemannJack Seale Heidemann is a former right-handed Major League Baseball shortstop who played from to with the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. He attended Brenham High School. He is also the uncle of Brett Bordes, a minor league pitcher in the Baltimore...
. - March 31, 1973: Jay JohnstoneJay JohnstoneJohn William Johnstone Jr. is an American former professional baseball player, active from 1966 to 1985 for the California Angels, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago Cubs...
signed as a free agent with the Athletics.
- January 23, 1973: Jerry McNertney
- Round 1: Warren Cromartie
Regular season
The 1973 A’s had three 20-game winners in Jim (Catfish) HunterCatfish Hunter
James Augustus "Catfish" Hunter , was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 15-year baseball career, he pitched from 1965-1979 for both the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees...
, Ken Holtzman
Ken Holtzman
Kenneth Dale Holtzman is a left-handed former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played most of his career for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics...
and Vida Blue
Vida Blue
Vida Rochelle Blue Jr. is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 17-year career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , San Francisco Giants , and Kansas City Royals He won the American League Cy Young award and Most Valuable Player Award in 1971...
.
The A's were on the receiving end of some milestones as well. On July 3, Nolan Ryan
Nolan Ryan
Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. , nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers....
struck out Sal Bando
Sal Bando
Salvatore Leonard Bando is a former third baseman and executive in professional baseball who played for the Kansas City & Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers . He batted and threw right-handed. During the A's championship years of 1971-75, he captained the team and led the club in runs batted...
of the Athletics for the 1000th strikeout in his career. On July 30, Jim Bibby
Jim Bibby
James Blair Bibby was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 12-year baseball career, he pitched from 1972-1984 with the St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and Pittsburgh Pirates, with whom he was a member of its 1979 World Series Champions...
threw the first no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
in Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
history as he no-hit the Athletics. The Rangers won the game 6-0.
Opening Day starters
- Sal BandoSal BandoSalvatore Leonard Bando is a former third baseman and executive in professional baseball who played for the Kansas City & Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers . He batted and threw right-handed. During the A's championship years of 1971-75, he captained the team and led the club in runs batted...
- Billy ConigliaroBilly ConigliaroWilliam Michael Conigliaro is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who played in the American League for the Boston Red Sox , Milwaukee Brewers and Oakland Athletics...
- Ray FosseRay FosseRaymond Earl Fosse is a former professional baseball player who was a catcher in the Major Leagues. He was drafted in the first round of the 1965 amateur draft by the Cleveland Indians. Fosse also holds the distinction of being the Indians' first ever draft pick, as 1965 was the first year of the...
- Dick GreenDick GreenRichard Larry Green , is a former Major League Baseball player.He was raised in Rapid City, S.D., where his ability as a baseball player was first noted....
- Catfish HunterCatfish HunterJames Augustus "Catfish" Hunter , was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 15-year baseball career, he pitched from 1965-1979 for both the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees...
- Reggie JacksonReggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
- Dal MaxvillDal MaxvillCharles Dallan Maxvill is a former shortstop, coach and general manager in Major League Baseball. A graduate of St. Louis' Washington University, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering, Maxvill signed a professional baseball contract in 1960 with the hometown St...
- Billy NorthBilly NorthWilliam Alex North is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball. From 1971 to 1981, he played for the Chicago Cubs , Oakland Athletics , Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants...
- Joe RudiJoe RudiJoseph Oden Rudi is a former left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Kansas City & Oakland Athletics , California Angels and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
- Gene TenaceGene TenaceFury Gene Tenace , better known as Gene Tenace, is a former Italian-American professional baseball player and current coach in Major League Baseball. He was a catcher and first baseman from through . Tenace was drafted by the Kansas City Athletics from Valley High School in Lucasville, OH and...
Notable transactions
- April 3, 1973: Don ShawDon Shaw (baseball)Donald Wellington Shaw is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched all or part of five seasons in the majors, between and , for the New York Mets, Montreal Expos, St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland Athletics.-External links:...
was traded by the Athletics to the Detroit TigersDetroit TigersThe Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
for Tim HosleyTim HosleyTimothy Kenneth Hosley is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played parts of nine seasons in the majors between and . He played for the and World Series champion Oakland Athletics, though he was never on a postseason roster....
. - May 4, 1973: Jerry McNertney was purchased from the Athletics by the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. - May 11, 1973: Mark BudaskaMark BudaskaMark David Budaska is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder who is minor league baseball coach, currently the hitting coach with the Memphis Redbirds Triple-A team within the St. Louis Cardinals organization....
was signed as an amateur free agent by the Athletics. - June 24, 1973: Steve McCattySteve McCattySteven Earl McCatty is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Oakland Athletics from 1977 to 1985. He graduated from Troy High School in Troy, Michigan in 1972. On June 2nd, 2009 McCatty was named interim pitching coach of the Washington Nationals following Randy St...
was signed by the Athletics as an amateur free agent. - July 7, 1973: Dal MaxvillDal MaxvillCharles Dallan Maxvill is a former shortstop, coach and general manager in Major League Baseball. A graduate of St. Louis' Washington University, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering, Maxvill signed a professional baseball contract in 1960 with the hometown St...
was purchased from the Athletics by the Pittsburgh Pirates. - July 31, 1973: Jesús AlouJesús AlouJesús María Rojas Alou is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. During a 17-year baseball career, he played for the San Francisco Giants , Houston Astros , Oakland Athletics , and New York Mets...
was purchased by the Athletics from the Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
. - August 29, 1973: Gonzalo MárquezGonzalo MárquezGonzalo Enrique Márquez Moya was a professional baseball first baseman. A left-handed batter, he played parts of three seasons in Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs...
was traded by the Athletics to the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
for Pat BourquePat BourquePatrick Daniel Bourque was a first baseman in Major League Baseball. He played for several teams in a three year career....
. - September 11, 1973: Rico CartyRico CartyRicardo Adolfo Jacobo Carty is a former professional baseball player. Nicknamed Beeg Boy, he played mostly as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from to...
was purchased by the Athletics from the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
.
Draft picks
- June 5, 1973: 1973 Major League Baseball Draft1973 Major League Baseball Draft-First round selections:The following are the first round picks in the 1973 Major League Baseball draft.* Did not sign- Background :Four dominating players of the late 70s and 80s were selected in the June regular phase...
- Floyd BannisterFloyd BannisterFloyd Franklin Bannister is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 15-year baseball career, he pitched for the Houston Astros , Seattle Mariners , Chicago White Sox , Kansas City Royals , California Angels , and the Texas Rangers .-History:In 1973, as a high school...
was drafted by the Athletics in the 3rd round, but did not sign. - Matt KeoughMatt KeoughMatthew Lon Keough Drafted by the Oakland A's out of Corona del Mar High School in 1973. Keough is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from through for the Oakland Athletics , New York Yankees , St. Louis Cardinals , Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros...
was drafted by the Athletics in the 7th round. - Derek BryantDerek Bryant (baseball)Derek Roszell Bryant is a former professional baseball player. He played in 39 games in Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics in , primarily as an outfielder. He currently serves as manager of the Olmecas de Tabasco in the Mexican League....
was drafted by the Athletics in the 8th round. - Craig MitchellCraig Mitchell (baseball)Craig Seton Mitchell is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Mitchell pitched in parts of three seasons, from until , for the Oakland Athletics....
was drafted by the Athletics in the 1st round (1st pick) of the secondary phase.
- Floyd Bannister
Roster
| 1973 Oakland Athletics | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers |
Catchers Infielders |
Outfielders Other batters |
Manager Coaches |
||||||
Player stats
| = Indicates team leader |
Starters by position
Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting Average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases| Pos | Player | G | AB | R | H | Avg. | HR | RBI | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 143 | 492 | 37 | 126 | .256 | 7 | 52 | 2 | |
| 1B | 160 | 510 | 83 | 132 | .259 | 24 | 84 | 2 | |
| 2B | 133 | 332 | 33 | 87 | .262 | 3 | 42 | 0 | |
| 3B | 162 | 592 | 97 | 170 | .287 | 29 | 98 | 4 | |
| SS | 151 | 601 | 89 | 150 | .250 | 4 | 46 | 34 | |
| LF | 120 | 437 | 53 | 118 | .270 | 12 | 66 | 0 | |
| CF | 146 | 554 | 98 | 158 | .285 | 5 | 34 | 53 | |
| RF | 151 | 539 | 99 | 158 | .293 | 32 | 117 | 22 | |
| DH | 131 | 464 | 61 | 114 | .246 | 19 | 81 | 0 |
Other batters
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting Average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases| Player | G | AB | R | H | Avg. | HR | RBI | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | 192 | 20 | 43 | .224 | 3 | 13 | 1 | |
| 106 | 182 | 15 | 40 | .220 | 3 | 17 | 1 | |
| 48 | 110 | 5 | 22 | .200 | 0 | 14 | 1 | |
| 36 | 108 | 10 | 33 | .306 | 1 | 11 | 0 | |
| 75 | 71 | 8 | 13 | .183 | 1 | 5 | 0 | |
| 48 | 65 | 9 | 16 | .246 | 1 | 7 | 0 | |
| 38 | 64 | 5 | 12 | .188 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| 23 | 42 | 8 | 8 | .190 | 2 | 9 | 0 | |
| 23 | 28 | 1 | 3 | .107 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| 23 | 25 | 1 | 6 | .240 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 18 | 21 | 1 | 4 | .190 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 29 | 19 | 0 | 4 | .211 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 13 | 14 | 3 | 3 | .214 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 6 | 14 | 0 | 4 | .286 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 17 | 12 | 0 | 3 | .250 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| 7 | 8 | 1 | 2 | .250 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | .500 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 35 | 0 | 16 | 0 | ---- | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Starting pitchers
Note: G = Games played; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; BB = Bases on balls; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 297.1 | 21 | 13 | 2.97 | 66 | 157 | |
| 37 | 263.2 | 20 | 9 | 3.28 | 105 | 158 | |
| 36 | 256.1 | 21 | 5 | 3.34 | 69 | 124 | |
| 30 | 150.1 | 5 | 12 | 4.49 | 67 | 83 | |
| 16 | 69.2 | 6 | 4 | 4.39 | 24 | 34 | |
| 1 | 2.1 | 0 | 1 | 7.71 | 2 | 3 |
Other pitchers
Note: G = Games played; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; BB = Bases on balls; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | ERA | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 18.2 | 1 | 0 | 3.86 | 7 | 6 |
Relief pitchers
Note: G = Games played; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; BB = Bases on balls; SO = Strikeouts| Player | G | IP | W | L | SV | ERA | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 126.2 | 7 | 8 | 22 | 1.92 | 39 | 110 | |
| 52 | 99 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 3.09 | 49 | 46 | |
| 47 | 88 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 2.76 | 34 | 41 | |
| 36 | 78 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 3.69 | 28 | 33 | |
| 3 | 7.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4.91 | 2 | 4 |
Game 1
October 6, 1973 at Memorial StadiumMemorial Stadium (Baltimore)
Memorial Stadium was a sports stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, that formerly stood on 33rd Street on an over-sized block also bounded by Ellerslie Avenue , 36th Street , and Ednor Road...
In Game 1, the Orioles jumped on Oakland starter Vida Blue
Vida Blue
Vida Rochelle Blue Jr. is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 17-year career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , San Francisco Giants , and Kansas City Royals He won the American League Cy Young award and Most Valuable Player Award in 1971...
and reliever Horacio Piña
Horacio Piña
Horacio Piña García [pee'-nyah] is a former relief pitcher who played in Major League Baseball between and . Piña also played professionally in Mexico for several years...
for four runs in the bottom of the first inning. Jim Palmer
Jim Palmer
James Alvin "Jim" Palmer , nicknamed "Cakes", is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played his entire 20-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in .As of 2008, Palmer and his wife Susan have homes in Palm Beach, Florida, and...
pitched a 5-hit shutout as the Orioles won, 6-0.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
| Baltimore | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | X | 6 | 12 | 0 |
| W: Jim Palmer Jim Palmer James Alvin "Jim" Palmer , nicknamed "Cakes", is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. He played his entire 20-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in .As of 2008, Palmer and his wife Susan have homes in Palm Beach, Florida, and... (1-0) L: Vida Blue Vida Blue Vida Rochelle Blue Jr. is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 17-year career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , San Francisco Giants , and Kansas City Royals He won the American League Cy Young award and Most Valuable Player Award in 1971... (0-1) |
||||||||||||
| HR: None | ||||||||||||
Game 2
October 7, 1973 at Memorial StadiumMemorial Stadium (Baltimore)
Memorial Stadium was a sports stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, that formerly stood on 33rd Street on an over-sized block also bounded by Ellerslie Avenue , 36th Street , and Ednor Road...
In Game 2, the Athletics hit three home runs off Baltimore starter Dave McNally
Dave McNally
David Arthur "Dave" McNally was a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher from until . He was signed by the Baltimore Orioles and played with them every season except for his final season with the Montreal Expos.McNally has the unique distinction as the only pitcher in Major League...
, and won 6-3 behind Catfish Hunter
Catfish Hunter
James Augustus "Catfish" Hunter , was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 15-year baseball career, he pitched from 1965-1979 for both the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees...
.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 9 | 0 |
| Baltimore | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 0 |
| W: Catfish Hunter Catfish Hunter James Augustus "Catfish" Hunter , was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 15-year baseball career, he pitched from 1965-1979 for both the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees... (1-0) L: Dave McNally Dave McNally David Arthur "Dave" McNally was a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher from until . He was signed by the Baltimore Orioles and played with them every season except for his final season with the Montreal Expos.McNally has the unique distinction as the only pitcher in Major League... (0-1) S: Rollie Fingers Rollie Fingers Roland Glen Fingers is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. During his 18-year baseball career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers . He became only the second reliever to be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992... (1) |
||||||||||||
| HR: OAK – Bert Campaneris Bert Campaneris Dagoberto Campaneris Blanco , nicknamed "Campy", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for four American League teams, primarily the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics... (1), Joe Rudi Joe Rudi Joseph Oden Rudi is a former left fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the Kansas City & Oakland Athletics , California Angels and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed... (1), Sal Bando Sal Bando Salvatore Leonard Bando is a former third baseman and executive in professional baseball who played for the Kansas City & Oakland Athletics and Milwaukee Brewers . He batted and threw right-handed. During the A's championship years of 1971-75, he captained the team and led the club in runs batted... 2 (2) |
||||||||||||
Game 3
October 9, 1973 at Oakland-Alameda County ColiseumMcAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
In Game 3, the Athletics won 2-1 when shortstop Bert Campaneris
Bert Campaneris
Dagoberto Campaneris Blanco , nicknamed "Campy", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for four American League teams, primarily the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics...
homered to lead off the bottom of the 11th inning.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | |
| Oakland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | |
| W: Ken Holtzman Ken Holtzman Kenneth Dale Holtzman is a left-handed former starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who played most of his career for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics... (1-0) L: Mike Cuellar Mike Cuellar Miguel Ángel Cuellar Santana [KWAY-ar] was a Cuban left-handed starting pitcher who spent fifteen seasons in Major League Baseball with the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles and California Angels... (0-1) |
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| HR: OAK – Bert Campaneris Bert Campaneris Dagoberto Campaneris Blanco , nicknamed "Campy", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for four American League teams, primarily the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics... (2) BAL – Earl Williams (1) |
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Game 4
October 10, 1973 at Oakland-Alameda County ColiseumMcAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
In Game 4, the Athletics held a 4-0 lead after six innings, but the Orioles scored four in the seventh off Blue to tie the game; the key blow was a three-run home run by catcher Andy Etchebarren
Andy Etchebarren
Andrew Auguste Etchebarren is an American former Major League Baseball catcher who played for a total of 15 seasons. He played for the Baltimore Orioles , California Angels and Milwaukee Brewers ....
. Baltimore second baseman Bobby Grich
Bobby Grich
Robert Anthony "Bobby" Grich is an American former professional baseball second baseman who played for the Baltimore Orioles and California Angels of Major League Baseball...
broke the tie with a solo home run in the 8th inning, and the Orioles went on to win, 5-4.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 0 |
| Oakland | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 0 |
| W: Grant Jackson (1-0) L: Rollie Fingers Rollie Fingers Roland Glen Fingers is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. During his 18-year baseball career, he pitched for the Oakland Athletics , San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers . He became only the second reliever to be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992... (0-1) |
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| HR: BAL – Andy Etchebarren Andy Etchebarren Andrew Auguste Etchebarren is an American former Major League Baseball catcher who played for a total of 15 seasons. He played for the Baltimore Orioles , California Angels and Milwaukee Brewers .... (1), Bobby Grich Bobby Grich Robert Anthony "Bobby" Grich is an American former professional baseball second baseman who played for the Baltimore Orioles and California Angels of Major League Baseball... (1) |
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Game 5
October 11, 1973 at Oakland-Alameda County ColiseumMcAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
In Game 5, Hunter pitched a 5-hit shutout as the Athletics won, 3-0, and took the series 3 games to 2.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 |
| Oakland | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 3 | 7 | 0 |
| W: Catfish Hunter Catfish Hunter James Augustus "Catfish" Hunter , was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 15-year baseball career, he pitched from 1965-1979 for both the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees... (2-0) L: Doyle Alexander Doyle Alexander Doyle Lafayette Alexander is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, and Detroit Tigers... (0-1) |
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| HR: None | ||||||||||||
World Series
The Athletics' victory over the New York Mets1973 New York Mets season
The New York Mets season was the 12th regular season for the Mets, who played home games at Shea Stadium. Manager Yogi Berra led the team to a National League East title with an 82–79 record, the National League pennant and a defeat at the hands of the Oakland Athletics in the World Series...
in the 1973 Series was marred by Charlie O. Finley's antics. Finley forced Mike Andrews
Mike Andrews
Michael Jay Andrews is a retired American Major League Baseball infielder who played for the Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox and Oakland Athletics. He is currently the chairman of The Jimmy Fund, an event fundraising organization affiliated with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston,...
to sign a false affidavit saying he was injured after the reserve second baseman committed two consecutive errors in the 12th inning of the A's Game Two loss to the Mets. This would allow Manny Trillo, ineligible because he was not a member of the team on Sept. 1, to be activated.
By demeaning Mike Andrews, Finley brought on open rebellion, the logical progression for a team that has never deluded itself about being a happy ship. The A's worked out at Shea with Andrews' No. 17 taped to their uniforms as a sign of sympathy with him. By then he was back home in Peabody, Massachusetts.
When other team members, manager Dick Williams
Dick Williams
Richard Hirschfeld "Dick" Williams was an American left fielder, third baseman, manager, coach and front office consultant in Major League Baseball. Known especially as a hard-driving, sharp-tongued manager from 1967–69 and 1971–88, he led teams to three American League pennants, one National...
, and virtually the entire viewing public rallied to Andrews' defense, Kuhn forced Finley to back down. Andrews entered Game 4 in the eighth inning as a pinch-hitter. As he walked to the on-deck circle the crowd of 54,817 at Shea Stadium spotted his No. 17 and commenced cheering. He promptly grounded out, and Finley ordered him benched for the remainder of the Series.
Andrews never played another major league game. As it was, the incident allowed the Mets, a team that went but 82–79 during the regular season, to go seven games before losing to a superior team. Williams was so disgusted by the affair that he resigned after the Series.
Finley retaliated by vetoing Williams' attempt to become manager of the Yankees. Finley claimed that since Williams still owed Oakland the last year of his contract, he could not manage anywhere else. Finley relented later in 1974 and allowed Williams to take over as manager of the California Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
.
Summary
1973 New York Mets season
The New York Mets season was the 12th regular season for the Mets, who played home games at Shea Stadium. Manager Yogi Berra led the team to a National League East title with an 82–79 record, the National League pennant and a defeat at the hands of the Oakland Athletics in the World Series...
(3)>
McAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
McAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
Shea Stadium
William A. Shea Municipal Stadium, usually shortened to Shea Stadium or just Shea , was a stadium in the New York City borough of Queens, in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. It was the home baseball park of Major League Baseball's New York Mets from 1964 to 2008...
Shea Stadium
William A. Shea Municipal Stadium, usually shortened to Shea Stadium or just Shea , was a stadium in the New York City borough of Queens, in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. It was the home baseball park of Major League Baseball's New York Mets from 1964 to 2008...
Shea Stadium
William A. Shea Municipal Stadium, usually shortened to Shea Stadium or just Shea , was a stadium in the New York City borough of Queens, in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. It was the home baseball park of Major League Baseball's New York Mets from 1964 to 2008...
McAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
McAfee Coliseum
O.co Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium, located in Oakland, California, in the Coliseum Industrial area...
Awards and honors
- Bert Campaneris, Babe Ruth AwardBabe Ruth AwardThe Babe Ruth Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball player with the best performance in the postseason. The award, created by the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America in honor of Babe Ruth, was first awarded in 1949 to the MVP of the World Series, one...
- Reggie JacksonReggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
, OF, American League RBI Champion - Reggie JacksonReggie JacksonReginald Martinez "Reggie" Jackson , nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees, is a former American Major League Baseball right fielder. During a 21-year baseball career, he played from 1967-1987 for four different teams. Jackson currently serves as...
, OF, World Series Most Valuable Player Award